Medium duty Hino trucks topped in J.D. Power and Associates ratings based on consumer satisfaction in their Medium Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study of 2010.  Based on the research conducted, Hino Trucks positions top in consumer satisfaction with its range of standard medium-duty engines (4 years successively) and in addition ranks top in consumer satisfaction amongst standard medium duty trucks for 2 years running.  Reliability and quality are definitely the most crucial elements of total satisfaction of truck owners.

Currently the truck engine study is in the fourth year, assessed customer views of 2010 model-year Class 5, 6 and 7 trucks designed with both diesel and gasoline engines by considering eight distinctive aspects: engine dependability/reliability; easy access for maintenance or service; acceleration when vehicle is fully loaded, maintenance of speed on grades; vibration at idle, control module (ECM); average fuel economy and engine warranty.

Hino Trucks Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction

Customer Satisfaction Study which is currently in the nineteenth year, evaluates customer views of 2010 model-year Class 5, 6 and 7 standard commercial trucks.  Six aspects in the product index are employed to figure out overall satisfaction: warranty, engine; cost of operation; ride/handling/braking, cab and body; and transmission.  The analysis even gauges satisfaction with services obtained from a certified truck dealer.  Six factors are measured to arrive at the customer satisfaction index: service quality, service facility; service initiation, service advisor; service price and service delivery. Hino trucks scored the highest in all these factors.

Hino’s total 2012 MY product range of traditional trucks have become authorized to utilize B20 biodiesel.  The 338 truck model is driven by Hino’s proprietary 6-cylinder 8L J08E-VB which generates 260 hp power with 660 lb. ft. of torque.  All are standard built with Allison’s entirely automatic transmissions.  The Hino Motors have chosen essentially the most eco-friendly techniques to meet up with 2010 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions rules, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) , and it is the sole manufacturer to satisfy present EPA emissions standards even without using credits.  Hino’s SCR technology offers essential advantages to owners too, raising fuel economy remarkably by 3.5-5%. Impressive engineering together with the greatest degree of craftsmanship helps to ensure that every truck provides features like ease of access, outstanding maneuverability and amazing lines of sight.

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, sells, assembles, as well as services standard commercial trucks from Class 4-7 in America.  The Hino Motors Headquarters is situated in Novi, Michigan and features a network of well over 160 dealers countrywide devoted to attaining superiority in customer support and service.  Hino Trucks is the premier medium duty name plate in all parts of the United States of America having a product lineup which offers the cheapest total price of ownership, industry leading environment friendly, superior fuel economy, unequaled maneuverability and reliability, and the most extensive packet of standard features on the market.

Toyota Prius hybrid car was Japan’s top selling car of 2011 for the third consecutive year showing that government’s efforts and encouragement might now be bearing fruit.  Despite a sluggish auto market, sales of ecological car models went up remarkably last year.

In the year 2011, the sales of Toyota Motor Corp’s Toyota Prius totaled to 252,528 cars as revealed by Japan Automobile Dealers Association.  The Japanese rival Honda Motor Co’s Fit Subcompact Cars, which are also hybrid cars, ranked second in sales. The tax breaks and government backed incentives could be responsible for the increased sales of these hybrid car models.

Toyota Prius Popularity:

The Toyota Prius basically comes in two unique versions: Toyota Hybrid and Toyota Plug-in Hybrid.  The Toyota Prius Hybrid is sold in four different trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five.  The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes in two unique trims: Toyota Prius Plug-in Standard and Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced.  Though a few entertainment features have altered for the new model, the Prius didn’t undergo any drastic changes.

Toyota Prius Fuel Economy and Performance:

Toyota Prius offers a great fuel economy.  If you really wish to conserve fuel, you will be happy to know that the Toyota Prius is among the best fuel efficient cars. You will enjoy the comfortable ride offered by Toyota Prius.  The mushy brakes and soft suspension may however displease you.  The  Prius Plug-in is very similar to the original Prius.

Both models of Toyota Prius produce 98 horsepower and come with a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine. Both the models are equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).  The front wheel drive Prius saves fuel by shutting off engine when you stop the vehicle.

Toyota Prius Features:

The Toyota Prius is easily recognizable from far as it has an iconic look.  The two models of Toyota Prius are full of amazing high-tech features which includes a USB Port and Bluetooth. The Toyota Prius have great interiors and remarkable ergonomics. Prius’ comfortable and roomy seats and massive cargo aspects are remarkable. It is very similar to the cargo space available in several compact SUVs.

The regular Prius comes with Bluetooth and auxiliary as well as USB audio jacks. The Prius also has a Smart key and push button start which helps to unlock the car. You will not need to use the traditional key here.

The Toyota Prius also comes with a unique Touch Tracer display that lets the driver select trip display or audio controls while keeping his eyes still riveted to the road.

Toyota Prius Safety:

Toyota Prius tops in safety also. The federal government has ranked the Prius top in safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had ranked 2011 Prius for safety.

Safety features in Toyota Prius:

The standard safety features included in the Toyota Prius include anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, system for monitoring tire pressure, brake override, brake assist and seven airbags. The Prius also includes a pre-collision system that is optional and which applies the brakes when a front-impact accident seems unavoidable while tightening seatbelts. Another optional safety feature in Prius is the Safety Connect. The Safety Connect includes stolen vehicle locator, automatic collision notification, roadside assistance and emergency SOS button. It is very similar to OnStar system of GM.

Reliability of Toyota Prius:

The Toyota Prius comes with a 60,000 mile power train warranty for five years and 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for three years. Toyota Prius’ components have been covered for 100,000 miles or eight years. This, however, varies with location. If you reside in New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Mexico, Vermont, Rhode Island or Maine, the hybrid components of Prius are protected for 150,000 miles or 15 years. The car’s hybrid battery is protected for 150,000 miles or 10 years.

Toyota Care offers scheduled maintenance for first 25,000 miles or two years for the Prius. This also includes 24 hours roadside assistance.

In today’s life, cars have become prime necessities.  Every day life greatly relies on the cars to journey everywhere.  The cars need to be serviced properly to provide us an exceptional performance.  The Car battery needs to be charged on a timely basis so that it stays in good condition.  There are numerous methods to charge the battery of your car.  You should know the various ways to get the battery of your car charged.

Here are the four common ways to charge a car battery:

1. Regular use of your Car

You may be surprised to know that your car usually charges its battery when it is running. All cars have an alternator which produces electricity every time the automobile is on the move as a belt links a pulley on the flywheel to a pulley on the alternator.  In case your car battery perishes when you are driving along then the alternator might not be generating electric power to charge the battery of your car. In case you have an automobile which has a manual transmission, you might be able to push start the vehicle to have it running.  Driving a car about half an hour ought to charge the car’s battery enough to get it back to normal.  So as to preserve electricity, attempt to switch off any electrical devices that you don’t need, like lights and radios. It will help to direct as much power into the car battery as possible.

2. Automotive Battery Charger

Battery chargers connect into a standard 110 volt domestic electric outlet, and then they charge your car battery when it is not linked to your car.  The Car battery chargers can execute an instant charge, a trickle charge or a slow charge, and they could be the most effective means for charging your car battery.  Your car battery charger might even revive a dead or old car battery which couldn’t quite charge while using car’s alternator.

You need to maintain the automobile charger properly to ensure that the car gets charged fully and will perform properly. Car chargers need minimal maintenance.  You do not have to visit the mechanic or dealer. To charge the automobile battery 12 volt battery is needed.  An extension cord is necessary and which is of sufficient length and so that it reaches effortlessly to help charge your car battery.  Visiting the mechanic is an expensive affair. Thus, prevent it by maintaining your car and car’s battery.  Conserve power by turning off electrical devices that aren’t needed.  Radio and even lights in a car must be switched off when they are not required.  During battery charging, the vehicle should be steady at a single place.  Be sure it is stationary till the charging process is complete.

3. Jump Start

Here is how you revive or Jump Start a dead or nonworking car battery by using a working car. When you have an automated transmission, the best place might be to jump start your automobile.  Here is a word of caution if you intend to jump start a vehicle – A charging battery emits hydrogen gas and this gas is actually explosive, so permit appropriate air flow and take all required measures to lessen the risk of sparks.

Here is how you should go about the jumpstarting process:

• Park a working car near the automobile having a dead battery to connect the Car battery with the jumper cables. Switch off all electronics which are not needed, and shut down the ignition for both cars. Be cautious that the two vehicles aren’t touching each other.
• Clamp the positive red clamp to the positive end of the dead or nonworking vehicle.
• Clamp the positive red clamp to the positive end of the working car.
• Clamp the negative black clamp to the negative terminal of the working car.
• Clamp the negative black clamp to the dead or nonworking vehicle’s unpainted metal surface to ensure a solid ground connection. Make sure not to connect it to the negative terminal of the dead or nonworking car. Ensure that the cable does not interfere with the moving vehicle parts.
• Get the car started and wait for some time for the dead or nonworking car to get charged.
• If it the dead car still does not start, after some time start the car which is in working condition once again.
• As the dead car begins to run, disconnect the Jumper Cables in the reverse order to the order in which you connected the Jumper Cables.
• Let the car run for some time so that the battery gets enough time to charge. Only then will it run later when you start again.

4. Solar Car Battery Charger

If you are likely to leave your vehicle unattended for a longtime, it might be useful to buy a small solar charger to help maintain your car’s battery while you are away.

Mitsubishi exhibited their brand new concept, the EMIRAI at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show that ended recently. Smart Cars and Concept Automobiles have been around since quite some time.  When you think of Concept Automobiles, vehicles that are equipped with every little thing like air conditioners using solar power as well as many LED Displays and devices may come to your mind.  However, Mitsubishi’s Car Interface EMIRAI has gone a step ahead.  It has brought to life an all new Dashboard using its brand new concept and smart engineering.

Till now, we have only come across tiny displays embedded in the dashboard in style of LCD panels.  But the EMIRAI shows what you can expect from a car in ten years time.  Mitsubishi’s EMIRAI comes with a dashboard along with curved display employing the rear projection technology.  Actually the most exciting and fascinating part of this vehicle is the fact that the display dashboard which offers rear projection sustains touch inputs pertaining to its several operations.

Amazing features of Mitsubishi EMIRAI

Mitsubishi’s EMIRAI boasts of many amazing features that make it stand out among the futuristic smart cars.  The vehicle is based on the concept of biometric interface. This advanced concept may turn out to be one of the most appealing features of next generation of concept automobiles in the next decade.  The car’s steering wheel possesses an innovative interface equipped with buttons that change form and which are designed to be elevated making just the necessary control buttons functional whilst keeping the remaining buttons retracted.  A few controls for the display may also be controlled by simply sliding fingertips above the elevated switches rendering it easier for use because they can be handled while not actually looking at them.

The seating positions as well as other functions can also be customized as per the requirement of the car driver.  The vehicle identifies the individual using it. It can gauge the face temperature and also the heart rate by means of Doppler devices which are included in the dashboard.  These devices in turn evaluate the fitness of the car driver in order to personalize the seating and also steering positions for risk-free traveling.  This idea furthermore comes with hand written inputs of Japanese characters for utilizing the navigation system of this car.  It also possesses a glass-free three dimensional display for the passenger sitting behind.  The 3-D touch screens ensure infotainment to the passengers sitting behind.

Mitsubishi EMIRAI for Cars of the Future

There is a panel next to the driver’s seat.  It is sensitive to touch and you can input commands using it. In fact, it can even recognize handwriting.  The Car with its advanced technology and biometric features ensures comfortable and stress free driving experience.  It also takes into account the other passengers traveling in the car.  That is why they have incorporated many advanced features for their comfort as well.

One glance at Mitsubishi’s EMIRAI makes us realize that the vehicles in the near future will be far more advanced and truly smart.

The 2011 U.S. Medium-Duty Truck Engine and Transmission Customer Satisfaction Study carried out by the US-based J.D. Power and Associates has once again honored Hino Trucks engines with the Number 1 ranking.  Hino Trucks USA has got the highest ranking for four years in a row scoring 794 on a 1000-point scale. The result was based on the responses received from 1,037 people who were primary maintainers of conventional cab medium-duty trucks that were one year old. The survey was carried out between the months of June and August this year. Cummins Inc. with 763 points was ranked second, followed by Paccar which scored 747 points and Navistar which obtained 742 points.

Reliability and Performance of Hino Truck Engines

According to the senior manager of the commercial vehicle practice at J.D. Power, Brent Gruber, the study gauged customer perceptions of 2010 model-year Class 5, 6 and 7 trucks with diesel and gasoline engines. It gave manufacturers a thorough and objective estimation of customer satisfaction regarding products and other related dealer services.

To get an idea of the overall engine satisfaction, eight different factors were considered: engine reliability/dependability; maintaining speed on grades; ease of access for maintenance or service; control module (ECM); acceleration when fully loaded; average fuel economy, vibration at idle; and engine warranty.

Gruber said that the 2011 study by J. D. Power showed that owners of medium-duty trucks are most satisfied with two factors i.e., engine reliability and dependability, as compared to all other factors.

The study conducted by the Westlake Village, Calif.-based J. D. Power also revealed that competition is getting more intense in the medium-duty truck industry, going by the fact that the gap between the lowest and highest ranked brands has narrowed to just 53 points in 2011 from the earlier 96 points in 2010.

According to J.D. Power, the occurrence of engine-related troubles for medium-duty trucks is the same as in 2010 and averages 39 problems for every 100 (PP100) vehicles this year. However, over time, an overall increase in such problems has been observed. For instance, during the last five years, an increase of 13 PP100 has been observed in the average number of problems encountered with engines of medium-duty trucks with respect to trucks that have been in use for 13 to 18 months.

Gruber pointed out that the influence of the 2010 emission technology changes on factors like customer satisfaction and engine quality of medium-duty trucks will be seen in the study carried out by J.D. Power next year. He said, “With truck owners placing such importance on the quality and reliability of their engines, providing a nearly problem-free experience is a key differentiator between brands.” He added that the soon-to-be-introduced emissions and fuel efficiency standards that were recently declared by the government of the US will certainly put even more pressure on all the engine manufacturers for a good many years.

Gruber also said that it remains to be seen if manufacturers will succeed in reversing the continuing increase in the incidence of engine problems, particularly once the effects of the EPA’s mandates for 2010 come into play.

Nissan will be unveiling two concept cars – the PIVO 3 Electric Vehicle and the NV35O light commercial van – and its smart house technology at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, 2011.  Besides these it will also have on display concept cars that were unveiled at previous motor shows.

The Nissan PIVO 3 Electric Vehicle

This concept car is a three-seater electric vehicle designed for urban commuters.  Nissan said the vehicle will be best suited to big city commuters driving on crowded roads.  The other electric vehicles will be the ESFLOW electric sports car which was unveiled in March at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and the TOWNPOD crossover EV which had been unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September 2010.

The PIVO 3 is the third model of PIVO electric concept cars developed by Nissan, the original PIVO being a star exhibit of the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, while the PIVO 2 had been unveiled in 2007. The fully rotating cabin design that did away with reversing was the unique feature of the first two PIVO vehicles. However, the PIVO 3 does not feature this distinctive design but has a slightly more conventional arrangement. In the PIVO 3 the driver’s seat is located centrally in front of the two passenger seats at the back thus featuring a 1+2 layout. Its body is barely three meters in length partly due to the in-wheel motors used for propelling the car.

Despite not having a rotating cabin, the PIVO 3 will do away with reversing due to its zero turn gap capabilities and its wide steering angle that enables the car to do a U-turn on roads that are only four meters wide.

But this concept car’s most futuristic design feature is the Automated Valet Parking that allows the PIVO 3 to drive automatically, find a parking space and then park without the need for any driver. The vehicle has the ability to charge itself and can be summoned by the driver by smartphone.

The NV350 Light Commercial Van

This concept vehicle which will also be unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is a light commercial van that is going to be launched in the summer of 2012 in Japan followed by other markets, and comes in above the NV200. The van has keyless push button ignition, which according to Nissan is a world first for any commercial vehicle, a dash-mounted shift lever, and a foot-operated parking brake. It also has a multi-function display that is positioned in the center stack. A reversing camera will be made available optionally as an extra.

The NV350 has a cargo area that is up to three meters long. It has 50:50 split fold-forward rear seats as well as embedded mounting nuts in the interior side panels to make it possible for the cargo area to be customized using shelving fixtures and hooks. Nissan claims that the NV350 also has improved fuel economy

Nissan’s third display will be its Smart House “NSH-2012″ technology, which through a combination of fuel cells, solar panels, and power stored in a Nissan LEAF’s batteries will be able to provide a home with a steady power supply independent of power outage or weather conditions.

The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from December 3 to December 11.

At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show which will be held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center from 2 to 11 December 2011, the Suzuki booth will feature the company’s new automobile concepts which have been designed with a focus on meeting the needs of contemporary customers and offering them new kinds of value.

In tune with Suzuki’s expertise in small cars, the exhibits at the company’s booth will have “small cars for a big future” as the theme.  Suzuki cars for today and the future will emphasize the user-friendliness, fuel economy, innovation, superior performance, and the exciting styling that will be possible within more compact and smaller dimensions.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki will be unveiling three exciting new concepts.

The Regina: The first one, the Regina is a compact car and is Suzuki’s idea of a next generation, super efficient global compact car. It is a lightweight car that weighs just 730kg and has a drag coefficient that is at least 10% lower than that of other contemporary models. Its fuel economy will be at least 32km/L and it has CO2 emissions that are as low as 70g/km.

The Regina is 11.6 feet in length, 5.3 feet in width, and has an overall height of only 4.7 feet. It has a normal gasoline engine and can seat four passengers.

The Q Concept: This is an interesting, highly stylized two-seat microcar with an overall length of 2.5 meters and two seats in a tandem configuration, making it perfect for daily driving within a radius of around 10km and short journeys in crowded towns and cities. It is an electric car that is midway between a motorcycle and a small car. In fact, it is the closest a car could get to a motorcycle. The Q Concept has the same maneuverability as a motorcycle, but has a proper cabin and has four wheels. It is best suited for those people for whom schools, offices, hospitals, shopping malls and other facilities are close to their house. And not only is it more maneuverable than most other small cars, it also needs much less parking space.

Another unique feature is that other seating configurations are possible for the Q Concept. For example, it can have a single seat for an adult in the front, and seating for two children at the back, or it can be adapted to function as a delivery vehicle by having a single seat in the front and an area for cargo at the rear.

The Swift EV Hybrid: Suzuki’s third concept, the Swift EV, is however the most realistic concept car of all. It is basically a range-extended electric version of the popular Suzuki Swift subcompact. A compact electric car, it has an engine-driven generator. It can cover around 20 to 30 km on a single charge, which is the typical range for driving in a day in Japan. The eco-car can extend this range even further by using its engine-driven generator.

As compared to an electric car that depends completely on battery power, this hybrid from Suzuki has a much smaller battery that is quicker to charge, uses fewer resources, has a lower weight, and costs less too.

The Swift EV Hybrid is likely to be exhibited at motor shows in some countries as the Swift Range Extender.

With the rising fuel costs many of us are opting for electric and hybrid vehicles.  We can see many electric cars in the market, however the technology is little lagging for electric trucks.  There are various reasons why you’d go for electrifying trucks and commercial vehicles – for example, the trucks can be used as a widespread power network in emergencies. Now the good news is that you can electrify your existing conventional truck, using a conversion kit that would be made available soon in Japan by Tokyo R&D and Itochu Corporation.